The placenta, or child's place, is importantan organ that binds the mother and child organisms. Formation of the placenta occurs in parallel with the formation of the embryo. This organ has a basal and a chorial surface. The basal surface is attached to the wall of the uterus, and the chorionic surface faces the cavity of the fetal bladder.
The placenta consists of lobules in whichlarge number of blood vessels. Through these vessels nutrition and oxygen delivery to the fetus are carried out. Formation of the placenta ends by the end of the first three months of pregnancy. Starting from the second trimester of pregnancy and up to the 36th week the placenta develops and grows, providing nutrition and supporting the vital activity of the fetus.
Functions of the placenta
The placenta is an important organ duringpregnancy and performs a number of functions necessary for the normal development of the child in the womb of the mother. The placenta is a carrier of nutrition and oxygen for the fetus. Also removes the products of his life from the body of the child, is a factory for the production of hormones, which are necessary for the growth and development of the fetus, protects the immune system of the child, transmitting mother antibodies to the baby's blood. These protective cells will provide the child with reliable protection against infections for several months after birth.
Maturity of the placenta
Since the placenta is an importantcomponents for the normal development of the child during pregnancy, the obstetrician-gynecologist assesses the condition of this organ throughout the period of gestation, in order to avoid possible complications. Therefore, in medical practice there is a term such as the norm of the placenta. The norm of the placenta includes an assessment of the degree of maturity of the placenta, the location of its attachment and thickness.
The degree of maturity of the placenta varies depending on the gestational age.
Zero (0) degree of maturity of the placenta is normally found on the term up to 30 weeks of pregnancy. The placenta has a homogeneous structure, its membrane is smooth and straight.
The first (I) degree of maturity is found in the 27-36 weeks of pregnancy and is characterized by a slight waviness of the chorionic membrane and the presence of echogenic inclusions in its structure.
The second (II) degree of maturity is observed at the timefrom 34 to 39 weeks. At the same time, membrane depressions increase, although they still do not reach the basal layer. Multiple echogenic inclusions are noticeable.
The third (III) degree of maturity of the placenta is found after 36 weeks. During this period the placenta acquires a lobular structure, in which large echogenic zones are noticeable.
Pathology of maturation of the placenta
If the placenta ripens before the due date,then in this case it is a question of premature aging of the placenta. Premature maturity occurs if the II degree of maturity of the placenta is determined up to 32 weeks and the third degree is up to 36 weeks. With this diagnosis, a pregnant woman is prescribed dopplerography - a check that allows you to assess the state of the utero-placental circulation in the body. This examination allows us to identify blood flow disorders that can cause hypoxia and delay the development of the fetus. Therefore, if such violations are detected, the doctor prescribes therapy, which is aimed at restoring the uteroplacental blood circulation in order to provide the baby with enough nutrition and oxygen.
Sometimes there is later maturation of the placenta. This pathology can lead to a delay in the development of the fetus, since the placenta can not cope with the functions assigned to it.
Thus, the maturity of the placenta is oneof important indicators of normal development and nutrition of the fetus. Therefore, for any deviation, it is necessary to follow the prescription of the doctor clearly. After all, on this depends on the health and well-being of your baby!
